Gemini Merchant
Mr. Brewer
Story Brief
19 November 2024
Finding Your Personal Style: A Journey of Confidence
First, what is the meaning of style let’s use the basic google definition
style
/stīl/
noun
- a distinctive appearance, typically determined by the principles according to which something is designed.
“the pillars are no exception to the general style”
Let’s throw the usual definition of personal style out the window because today, I’m going to show you the real definition of style and how to find your own style from within, not just by following the basic rules or labels everyone else uses. The first step is understanding yourself, what you like, what makes you feel comfortable in your own skin, and most importantly, not caring about other people’s opinions. Wear what makes you forget what others think and embrace your authentic self. Every piece of clothing you choose tells a story about who you are, and that’s a lesson I learned from my best friend, Bethany Ackerman. She’s one of the people I interviewed for this project, and her style is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It’s truly captivating. I asked her four questions about how she found and embraced her personal style, choosing to stand out rather than blend in with the crowd around her.
I asked her 4 questions on how she founded and understood her own style instead of being like the rest of everyone else around her.
- What made you dress the way you do today?
- How can I find my own personal style and preference, considering my lifestyle, and separate myself from others/trends like what helped you?
- Were you ever scared of expressing your style in the open and if you were how did you overcome that fear?
- Does your outfits tell a story about you and if they do what kind of story and how did it change you?
For the 1st question she answered with, as I quote “I learned to love dressing, how I dress, because I didn’t look like everybody else. As a person, one of my worst fears is being just like everybody else or being unoriginal. I first started to love dressing how I dress because of pinterest I worked with a lot of different types of clothing and then what I felt most comfortable in is what I wear today. I also grew up with a lot of body dysmorphia and because I didn’t look like everybody else, and then I realized how much it made me hate myself. Also, what I wear seems to fit the things I like to do. I can perform all of my hobbies in the clothes that I wear and don’t need to change for a specific activity.”
2nd question-”I think you can find your personal style by looking at the world around you and seeing what you like the best and what you wear can also help influence how you want your lifestyle.”
3rd question-”I was always scared to express my style especially because of what my family thought about it, but when I got to high school and was able to wear whatever I wanted, everybody’s compliments really made me feel good. Speaking back to the fear of being like everybody else, my friends also helped me feel good about my outfits even before high school.
4th question-”My outfits did change me, I used to be very alternative and wore a lot of dark colors and then I realized that I couldn’t go out and forge and explore in black, because it was way too hot. I found my hippie or bohemian style because of my care, and love for the earth as well as the fact that I can explore and create art in those clothes without worrying about athletic wear. And my style is constantly changing, and I just wear what I feel good in. I had vowed to never have a “lazy outfit” a quote “I always put time in care into what I wear and I don’t always wear hippie clothes, but that is my signature style.” The purpose of this interview is simple JUST DO YOU. Style isn’t just about the clothes you wear it’s how you present yourself and the story you tell about who you are. Stop looking for a “one size fits all” definition of style because it won’t come from Google or by copying someone else. Style comes from within, and it’s shaped by so many different experiences. Also I came across a quote online(Instagram) that really stuck with me “If you’re serious about change, just know you’re going to go through some uncomfortable situations. Stop trying to dodge the process because, in the long run, it’s going to make you better.” I’m not sure who said or came up with it, but it perfectly captures the nature of finding your personal style and embracing who you are.
When it comes to defining your style, it’s not always going to be smooth sailing. You’ll face moments where you feel uncertain, frustrated, or even like giving up and even at some point you might hate yourself. But remember, that discomfort is part of the process. It’s through trial and error, through stepping outside your comfort zone, that you truly begin to understand who you are and what makes you feel confident. Just like the quote says, don’t avoid the hard parts because they’re what ultimately shape you into the person you’re meant to be.
Take my best friend Bethany as an example. She went through her own journey of figuring out what style truly meant for her, and look at her now she’s one of the most amazing, energetic, warm, and stylish people I know. She’s living proof that style is a reflection of who you are and not just what you wear.
And here’s the thing. style isn’t always about clothes. It’s about being you, it’s about being creative with expressing yourself and your personality. You can literally be wearing absolutely nothing or something that makes no sense whatsoever and still have style because it’s about the energy you give off. People may think you’re weird for it, and that’s okay. Be weird, be different, be unapologetically yourself at least you’re being real.
That’s why it’s also important to surround yourself with people who encourage you to be your authentic self. Style is deeply influenced by your environment and lifestyle. If you’re surrounded by negativity, it will affect your sense of self and how you express yourself. So, separate yourself from the toxic influences and put yourself in situations where you can grow, evolve, and improve.
Don’t try to fit in. Be you. Wear what makes you feel good, be who you want to be, and always be respectful of others. Just make sure you’re not hurting yourself or anyone else along the way. It’s all about embracing who you are and owning it with confidence. And here are some silly lovely photos of my friend :333
